Monumental nabs £140,000 grant

UK independent Monumental Games has received a £140,000 grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency to boost its expansion into Manchester.

The NWDA money comes through its Grants for Business Investment Scheme.

According to a report in Crain’s Manchester Business, the cash has been granted to help the firm set up its new premises in Salford Quays, Manchester, the former offices of Swordfish Studios, half of which was acquired by Monumental last month.

The move also means that the studio’s 23 employees will keep their jobs – and Monumental can create a further 32 positions by 2010.

Earlier this year the studio also received £300,000 funding from the Technology Strategy Board to further develop its MMO platform.

“We look forward to working with [the NWDA] over time to exceed our own expectations for growth," commented Monumental Games’ COO Paul Mayze on the latest round of funding.